If we were to pick one must see plantation, this would be it! Founded in 1681 by Englishman Major John Boone, this plantation is very influential in South Carolina's history. Not only is the "Avenue of Oaks" a beautiful sight to see, but the TV Series North and South was filmed here in the late 80's early 90's. Tours are hosted from 8:30 am - 6:30 pm in March. Adults $24 // Children (6-12) $12 // Children 5 and under are free Walking tours are through the gardens, butterfly pavilion and plantation house. Covered trailer tours take guests around the 738 acres.
Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation is America's last large-scale romantic-style garden. March is beautifully in bloom with amazing colors to see! Tours are hosted from 8 am - 5:30 pm in mid-March. Basic admission - Adults $20 // Children (6-12) $10 // Children 5 and under are free Walking tours include historic gardens, petting zoo, peacock cafe and conservatory. Nature tram tours will take you through the lakes, woodlands and marshes while describing the plantation history during this 45-minute tour. Nature boat tours are 45-minutes and take passengers through 125 acres of rice fields.
The landscape of the entire property is amazing! We loved walking through each garden from the private courtyards to the open butterfly ponds. If you are a history buff, this is a must stop destination. You can stay at the Inn here, eat at the restaurant and shop at the gift store. Tours are hosted from 9 am - 5 pm Adults $29 // Student (14 & over) $15 // Children (6-13) $10 // Children 5 and under are free Walking tours and open-air carriage rides are available.
The City Market is a historic market complex in downtown Charleston. Established in the 1790s, the market stretches for four city blocks from the architecturally-significant Market Hall, which faces Meeting Street, through a continuous series of one-story market sheds, the last of which terminates at East Bay Street. The entire complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Market Hall and Sheds and was further designated a National Historic Landmark.
These biscuits are killer! You will want to stop here for breakfast or late night dessert biscuits! Upper King Street location open M-F 7 am - 2 pm // Sat & Sun 8 am - 2 pm // Late night F & Sat 10 pm - 2 am City Market location open daily 8 am - 6 pm
We recommend visiting in full daylight to take in the pretty waterfront and see the blooms and also at night to catch how magic the Pineapple Fountain is when twinkling! This park is close to downtown and the market which makes it perfect for an after dinner walk or post shopping.
Sophisticated sports bar serving innovative pub fare & a wide selection of local beers & liquors. Indoor and outdoor dining is available here. If you are looking for a great shrimp taco, this place definitely should be a place to try!
If you are looking to do something active and see some beautiful spring flowers, then Hampton Park is a great place to visit. While you are there, rent a bike from "Holy Spokes" bike share service to ride around the park. Hampton Park is also directly adjacent to the Military College at The Citadel.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Cooper River on the Charleston Harbor, across from Charleston. Patriots Point has continued to grow; serving as an embarkation point for Fort Sumter tour boats, being home to several other vessels (including the submarine USS Clamagore), the Cold War Submarine Memorial, a replica of a Vietnam Support Base, and the museum of the Medal of Honor Society.
If you are interested in a Civil War history museum, the Confederate Museum would be a good stop for you. In 1894 the Charleston Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy was founded. They immediately began to collect relics and the collection grew quickly. In 1899 the reunion of the United Confederate Veterans was held in Charleston. The men decided to help these ladies form a permanent Confederate Museum in Charleston. A call was sent out asking former soldiers to bring their war-time possessions to the reunion for donation to the new museum. The enthusiastic response showed that a large building would be needed to house the collection. Since the Mayor and the city councilmen were all former Confederate soldiers, it was only natural that they selected Market Hall for this purpose. The same building where they had gone to become young soldiers became the place they brought their relics to be preserved for the future. The Confederate Museum opened here in 1899.